Photochromic lens innovations fuel consumer demand

Key Points

"We're definitely seeing an increase in the popularity of photochromic lenses as the technology has advanced," Main said. Significant improvements, such as the indoor clarity of the lens and the speed of change, are gaining wider acceptance for the product among patients and eye-care professionals (ECPs) alike, he added.

Transitions, established in 1990, is a leader in the photochromic lens arena.

Innovations coupled with greater availability through mass merchandisers have revitalized the sector over the past few years, he added.

Advances improve performance

According to company data, it is as clear indoors as a clear lens and fades back to clear 30% to 40% faster than previously available lenses.

"This is the first generation to work uniformly across all lens materials," he added. The lens reportedly gets 10% to 15% darker in hotter temperatures compared with Transitions V, and it is darker in moderate temperatures than previous generations.

These properties are enhanced when photochromics are combined with an anti-reflective (AR) coating. With the addition of AR coating, lenses fade back to clear 30% faster and are 6% clearer indoors and at night, according to the company.